Director Denis Bilodeau Testifies in D.C.

OCWD 1st Vice President Denis Bilodeau had the privilege of recently testifying before a House of Foreign Affairs subcommittee regarding global water issues.

He joined John Oldfield, CEO, WASH Advocates and Dale Whittington, professor, University of North Carolina to present before the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations and Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittees on Sept. 9. The hearing focused on discussing water from the point of view of human security as access to clean water and natural resources may spark conflict in the future.

Director Bilodeau testified that in Southern California, the Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District created the Groundwater Replenishment System that takes sewage water and produces high quality water to be used for drinking. The agencies recognize that wastewater is a valuable resource. The GWRS collaboration that includes partnership with federal and state agencies has allowed the region to take control of its future. He encouraged the implementation of similar proven approaches and technologies,like GWRS, which can return important dividends to political and economic security needs.

According to Director Bilodeau: When we think about global water supply needs and ways in which to reduce tensions that arise from constrained potable water supplies, the ability to share experiences and promote collaboration is important. OCWD shares its knowledge in advanced water purification technology.

He cited sharing technology with Singapore to enhance its own national water security. Today, Singapore is considered a shining example of how a nation state can effectively meet its water scarcity challenges.

Finally, Director Bilodeau encouraged greater investments to implement similar projects around the world; to create opportunities for water experts to engage with one another and exchange information, and to keep pushing the envelope and develop new and innovative solutions to global water problems.